An investigation has been launched after a Staffordshire mum claimed police left the ashes of her dead child scattered across a bedroom.

Chelsea Wright alleged officers from Staffordshire Police had opened up a ‘memory bear’ containing the ashes of her and her partner's baby son, who died aged 10 months in 2014, while searching their Cannock home for stolen property.

Ms Wright said she had found some of the ashes scattered on furnishings in the bedroom after police had left the house following the searched, which took place on June 27.

Now the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) are investigation after Staffordshire Police voluntarily referred her complaint to them.

The IPCC said evidence gathered so far included body worn video footage - and accounts had been sought from the officers involved in the search.